Is Will Tsunoda going to confirm Red Bull’s faith in him?
This weekend is a big one. Yuki Tsunoda , since everyone’s attention will be focused on him right from the initial laps on Friday—not only because he has finally secured the Red Bull seat he's desired for such a long time, but also because his debut with the team aligns perfectly with his home race.
Read Also:
Red Bull reveals special Japanese GP livery as Honda tribute
He’s targeting a spot on the podium and mentions that he embraces both expectations and pressure. However, it will only become real once the race begins since this is considered one of the most challenging roles in Formula 1. Helmut Marko might be correct; performing below par could mean Liam Lawson managing during the initial two race weekends of 2025 will pose challenges, yet the RB21 remains a complex vehicle to operate.
Is he likely to qualify out last? Could he make it into Q2? What about reaching Q3? And can he manage to earn points driving the second Red Bull car? Marko states that Tsunoda will end the season with Red Bull. However, everyone understands how swiftly the team principals can alter their opinions. Tsunoda must perform effectively—and he should begin demonstrating this as early as this week.
- Oleg Karpov
Can Lawson recover following his Red Bull demotion?
With all spotlights on Tsunoda, looking at Liam Lawson is equally interesting. On Thursday, he'll face the media for the first time after his Red Bull demotion, but the weekend itself can be one of opportunity – an opportunity to show the outside world that he is still a more-than-capable racing driver and one who deserves a longer career in F1.
Liam Lawson, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Mark Thompson
It's also a chance to demonstrate Max Verstappen right. The Dutchman told us in Shanghai that Lawson could be quicker in a Racing Bulls car, as it is easier to drive and more predictable.
Suzuka is the first track of the season that Lawson knows well, and he can take some extra confidence from the past: Pierre Gasly It has demonstrated that it's entirely feasible to recover and grow as a team leader following a Red Bull demotion. This serves as an inspiration for Lawson to emulate, with the hope of beginning this journey in Japan.
- Ronald Vording
Will McLaren continue to dominate?
Although McLaren had difficulties mastering short race weekends with just a single practice session in China, they secured a strong 1-2 result during the crucial event.
Currently in Japan, McLaren will have ample opportunity to refine the MCL39. Indeed, this applies to their competitors as well; however, the team based in Woking has demonstrated an advantage up until now. It would be unexpected to witness another competitor making such significant progress over a single race weekend without substantial new components being introduced.
What's more, Lando Norris finished third at Suzuka last year, just under three-tenths of a second behind the dominant Red Bull driven by Max Verstappen, long before McLaren's notable Miami update.
Lando Norris from McLaren, along with Oscar Piastri who also drives for McLaren
Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Nevertheless, two factors might mar McLaren’s weekend: the weather and historical patterns. If rain falls on Sunday, it could lead to unpredictable situations, whereas in both 1998 and 2003 when McLaren secured victory in the first two Grand Prix events, they did not win the third one.
However, the third attempt should be lucky, huh?
- Federico Faturos
Norris’ reaction to Piastri’s victory in Shanghai
As McLaren demonstrates they have the quickest vehicle on the track, the championship contest might effectively become a showdown between teammates Norris and Oscar Piastri . That’s why every point counts. It's not just about being fast but also about being consistent and maximizing opportunities.
In their two years together, Norris has proven he can be the team’s benchmark in terms of raw speed, as he has consistently performed at a very high level. But that alone is not enough to fight for and win a world championship, as we saw last season. Consistency is what turns speed into titles.
Norris has the pace to stay ahead – he has shown it. But he needs to build confidence and put together a clean weekend without mistakes, especially in qualifying, to avoid starting behind. Piastri will keep improving and won’t wait for Norris. The Australian's victory in China is a declaration of his title ambitions. Norris has to respond.
- Gianluca d'Alessandro
What is Ferrari ’s true form?
McLaren is clearly in front. Red Bull is a step behind and so far still looks like a one-car operation. Mercedes is lagging slightly behind its direct competitors – but has remained consistently steady so far, with George Russell fulfilling a pledge to take over as the team's exclusive captain Andrea Kimi Antonelli keeps learning and improving.
Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, associated with Ferrari
Photo credit: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
But where Ferrari stands in the battle at the top is still somewhat unknown.
The Melbourne weekend was perplexing, with speed vanishing abruptly after a promising Friday session, and Shanghai introducing even more uncertainty into the mix. Lewis Hamilton's commanding display during the sprint hinted at significant promise for the SF-25, yet the primary race turned out not just chaotic but concluded with both cars being disqualified. Consequently, Ferrari finds itself in fifth place within the constructors' championship following two events.
A spotless weekend in Japan for the Scuderia is essential to gauge its real potential in 2025.
- Oleg Karpov
EmoticonEmoticon